PARIS — The sudden death of French streamer Raphaël Graven, known online as Jean Pormanove, has sparked widespread outrage, soul-searching, and a judicial investigation in France. Graven, 46, died in Nice during a “marathon” livestream on the Kick platform that had been running for more than 298 hours. French media reported the broadcast was abruptly cut when co-streamers found him unconscious on a bed.
Damien Martinelli, the local prosecutor, confirmed that an autopsy revealed no signs of trauma or third-party intervention, though additional medical and toxicology tests have been ordered. His death, however, coincides with an ongoing probe into alleged abuse, humiliation, and exploitation he endured online, a case first exposed by investigative outlet Mediapart. Reports suggested Pormanove’s co-streamers allegedly mistreated him during live broadcasts, often encouraged by viewers’ payments designed to drive subscriptions and profit.
The investigation, launched in December, is focused on charges of “deliberate violence against vulnerable persons” and the illegal circulation of violent content. Two co-streamers were briefly detained in January but released, while Pormanove himself and a co-host previously denied being victims, claiming the violent incidents were staged purely for buzz and financial gain.
France’s digital media minister, Clara Chappaz, called the case “absolutely horrific,” condemning Kick for allowing such content. “Jean Pormanove was humiliated and mistreated for months live on the platform,” she said, vowing to demand accountability from the site’s management. Kick has since banned all co-streamers involved and pledged full cooperation with authorities, while also launching an internal review of its French-language streams.
Pormanove, who had more than one million followers across different platforms including nearly 200,000 on Kick, was a frequent participant in grueling “endurance” livestreams that rewarded viewers for donations and subscriptions. Critics argue these permissive broadcasts, often involving violence, gambling, or humiliation, highlight Kick’s lax moderation policies.
Mediapart reported that just hours before his death, Pormanove was slapped and punched by co-streamers during the marathon session. Authorities have seized extensive video evidence as investigations continue.
His death has ignited a national debate over online abuse, platform responsibility, and the darker side of livestreaming culture, with many questioning whether more decisive intervention could have prevented the tragedy.